Only 4.7% of mothers in the Dominican Republic breastfeed their infants

Only 4.7% of mothers in the Dominican Republic exclusively breastfeed their infants as recommended during the child’s first six months, according to the National Household Survey (Enhogar-MICS 2014). This is well below the average of the 30% breastfeeding rate for Latin American and Caribbean.

The discussion of the report was meant to highlight World Breastfeeding Week sponsored by the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), that is taking place 1-7 August 2017. The week-long activities seek to raise awareness of the importance of breastfeeding for the physical and mental development of babies.

In the Dominican Republic, breastfeeding is suppressed by the widespread practice of distributing free samples of formula and baby bottles in hospitals, the large number of working moms, the three-month pregnancy leave restrictions, and a general culture that makes breastfeeding an inconvenience.

Unicef encourages that hospitals contribute to promoting breastfeeding by training their staff in facilitating breastfeeding and instate the practice of immediately providing newborns in contact with mother’s skin no later than an hour after birth.